HOW DID QUEZON CITY’S BID TO THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK START?
It was 2023 when Quezon City’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film began under the mayor’s directive to revitalize the Quezon City Film Commission.
Proposed Plans after our potential designation as City of Film
QC Screen Academy: The QC Screen Academy is a public, industry-supported hub focused on enhancing the city’s film workforce through targeted training in film development, production, distribution, and marketing. Open to both newcomers and seasoned professionals without formal training, it equips participants with the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
Global Producers Exchange (GPX): The Global Producers Exchange (GPX) connects film producers with projects in development from Southeast Asia and UNESCO Creative Cities. It provides a platform for discussing industry trends, addressing challenges, and fostering collaboration through case studies, guest lectures, consultations, and roundtable discussions.
Southeast Asia Film Summit: The Southeast Asia Film Summit is an annual event that unites industry leaders, film commissions, cultural agencies, and policymakers from Southeast Asia and UNESCO Creative Cities to tackle key film industry challenges. Focused on discussions around regulations, production incentives, and financing, the summit aims to foster cooperation and address the challenges facing local film industries in the region.
A Message from Executive Director
As the Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Commission, I stand alongside our filmmakers, workers, and cultural leaders in leading the charge for our city’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Quezon City’s path as a future member of the Creative Cities community started long before the submission of our bid and it will go beyond the contents of our application. The Quezon City Film Commission will be pioneering the creation of lasting change and sustainable cultural ecosystem in all our upcoming initiatives, such as QC Screen Academy, Global Producers Exchange (GPX), and Southeast Asia Film Summit.
Undertaking this plan is a collaborative effort, and together, we can elevate Quezon City’s standing as a prominent global hub for culture and creativity.
— Executive Director, Liza Diño
OUR BID'S MILESTONES
Key achievements marking our journey to UNESCO Creative City of Film.
2006
Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC) was established
2023
The organization was re-established as Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC) and had been given the task to spearhead Quezon City’s application to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
2024
Quezon City, along with other cities in the Philippines, submitted their application to be part of the Aspiring Cities delegation for the 2025 UNESCO Creative Cities Network nomination.
2024
Quezon City was officially selected for endorsement as the Philippines’ candidate for the UCCN application by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine National Commission for UNESCO (UNACOM), alongside Dumaguete City.
QCFC gave an inspiring talk at the Quezon City Tourism Stakeholders' Consultation on positioning Quezon City as the Philippines' first UNESCO Creative City of Film and a key Southeast Asian filmmaking hub.
2024
The Creative Industries Day brought together policymakers and organizations like the Film Academy of the Philippines, Busan City of Film, and the French National Centre of Cinema to exchange their insights towards a sustainable, worker-centric film industry.
2025
The Screen QC Ordinance has been approved in its final reading and enacted into law, formally establishing the Quezon City Screen Commission (Screen QC) — a dedicated agency with expanded authority to build a worker-centric, globally competitive film industry.
2025
The application to UNESCO Creative Cities Network has been submitted for technical screening and evaluation.
WHAT IS THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITY OF FILM?
UNESCO Cities of Film include Busan in South Korea, Valladolid and Terrassa in Spain, Cannes in France and other cities who have innovative filmmaking strategies and policies, and can promote cultural understanding and creative collaboration within the worldwide community of UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
WHAT’S NEXT IF WE BECOME A CREATIVE CITY OF FILM?
Stronger Policy for Workers: More attention and support will be given to implement policies that protect film workers. This includes the Eddie Garcia Law which pushes for fair wages and safety standards for all workers in the industry, whether they’re cinematographers, artists, directors, or anyone in between!
More Sustainable Programs: Creation of talent development and professionalization programs will be prioritized. In line with stronger labor policies, these programs aim to provide a holistic betterment to the film workforce in QC.
Enhanced Global Recognition: As the potential first Creative City of Film in Southeast Asia, Quezon City’s local industry would be seen as a worthy, viable investment by stakeholders worldwide. Philippine Cinema will soon be an anticipated artform by global audiences!
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS FOR EXPRESSING THEIR SUPPORT:
LOCAL
[Film] has been instrumental in promoting medical knowledge, addressing social health issues, and inspiring meaningful discourse. Quezon City’s vibrant film industry has long contributed to these efforts, bridging the gap between the medical and creative sectors to inform, educate, and empower communities.
UERM Memorial Medical Center
LOCAL
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As the Philippine film industry continues to struggle post-pandemic, Quezon City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City will provide much-needed support. It will establish an encouraging policy and economic environment, mobilize stakeholders, and create incentives to promote high-quality film production. Furthermore, it will reinforce efforts to uphold film workers’ rights, enhance training programs, and promote the city’s assets, talents, and resources.
Inter-Guild Alliance
LOCAL
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The Film Academy of the Philippines supports and staunchly champions Quezon City’s bid to be one of UNESCO’s Creative City of Film: we know the honor and the cultural and social benefits will elevate the global profile of this deserving city. Its effect will transcend Quezon City; the whole landscape of filmmaking in the Philippines will be impacted, putting the spotlight on Southeast Asia’s earliest established film industry.
Film Academy of the Philippines
LOCAL
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Should Quezon City be chosen as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, our students will be provided with invaluable opportunities for professional training as well as long-term prospects after graduation. They will also be encouraged to develop their craft through the incentive and awards programs instituted by Quezon City.
U.P. Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (UPD-OICA)
LOCAL
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Through QCFC’s programs, we’ve strengthened our capabilities and contributed to expanding the reach of Philippine cinema. Their commitment to nurturing creativity and positioning Quezon City as a hub for film production makes them deserving of this global recognition.
Rein Entertainment
LOCAL
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The LPS believes that securing this prestigious recognition from UNESCO [...] will empower local filmmakers and cinematographers to showcase the richness of Philippine cinema to the world.
Lupon ng Pilipinong Sinematograpo
LOCAL
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The dedication of the QCFC to fostering growth within the local film sector is commendable. By positioning Quezon City in the global creative landscape, this not only furthers the city’s cultural richness but also drives economic development that benefits the entire community.
Goethe-Institut Manila
LOCAL
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[Being a UNESCO Creative City of Film]... can help propel our local film industry, our creative community to achieve its full potential through a nurturing economic environment and sustainable policies that enhance our capabilities as storytellers.
Film Writer Michael Angelo Dagñalan
LOCAL
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As a resident of Quezon City, I take immense pride in supporting this initiative. It’s a step toward cementing the city’s legacy not just as a creative hub but as a global symbol of Filipino resilience and artistry. I commend the QCFC for their dedication to this vision and am proud to stand with them in this endeavor.
Dogzilla Productions
LOCAL
INTERNATIONAL
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[Becoming UNESCO City of Film is...] a great honour that opens a new range of possibilities to our cities, giving greater amplitude, diversity and innovation to the cultural life of the city [...]
We strongly believe Quezon City deserves the same scope as it is a vibrant global creative hub for filmmaking, taking up valuable space in the international market.
Valladolid City of Film
INTERNATIONAL
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The efforts of the Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), under the leadership of Executive Director Mary Liza B. Diño, have played a pivotal role in promoting Quezon City as a global creative hub for filmmaking. We are confident that the city’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with its forward-looking vision and strategic initiatives, makes it an ideal candidate for UNESCO Creative City status.
Terrasa City of Film
INTERNATIONAL